tips for adolescent psych, plz??

Bjo · Mar 6, 2005

Teens can be tough to work with. Lots of times they come across as being angry when they really have a lot of emotional pain that they don't know how to deal with. Just be patient with them and don't take it personally when one or more of them offend you in some way. Be the adult but still give them respect as an individual. They will appreciate that more than anything. Just let them be aware that you expect them to give you the same kind of respect. Many of the teens I've worked with were different (more reachable) after they knew where we stood with each other.

Psych RN2 · Mar 7, 2005

Hi. I just started my psych rotation last wk (i'm an rpn student), on the adult's ward. I was really looking forward to it, but wasn't what i expected...i dunno, maybe it was partly the pts i had, but i didn't 'click' at all on the floor...from my clinical group, one of us works on the teen ward...my classmate who was there didn't like it, so i switched with her. I've always wanted to work with kids, this is as close as i'm gonna get at least while in school.
however, since she didn't like it...didn't get a whole lot of good feedback, lol...and still don't know what to expect..just wondering if anyone has any tips, do's, don'ts, what to expect...lol anything u can contribute is more than i have to go on now...
thx a lot..
Sav

I have worked with adolescent psychiatric patients for approximately 16 years. One of the most important things to keep in mind is their developmental stages. Remember they are working on their identity at this stage and making an impression to their peers is very important. If a patient becomes agitated, assure they have privacy and they do not need to make a show for their peer group. Usually removing them from the group or having the group removed during episodes of anger begins the de-escalation process.

It is also important to remember not to get into power struggles. Allow the patient to make decisions for themselves. This can be done by giving them a couple of different options. Don't take things personal and realize the adolescent is at an age where they are trying to learn how to properly express their emotions. If a patient becomes agitated, respond in a calm, nonthreatening and accepting manner. This will be the first step in teaching the adolescent how to handle confrontation. If you are a good role model, they will learn from what you do:)

CharlieRN · Mar 11, 2005

I have worked in many different types of psych units. One rule that works is find an experienced staff or two who seem to know what they are doing and follow their lead. Smart leutenents take the advise of sargents. You are a student so your job is to learn. Pick the brains of the folks with experience.